Unless otherwise stated, the author’s views, musings, and opinions do not necessarily
reflect the attitude of leadership within any of the various Nihon Goshin Aikido
associations, or unaffiliated Nihon Goshin Aikido dojos.

So October ~ Why is there an October? The month offers no saving grace. The calendar
people should add an extra week to May, June, July, and August, and then proceed
directly to November after September.

2. Must See Video: Shihan Weber Has a New Set of Videos on His Experiences in Nihon
Goshin Aikido

Mr. Weber’s 5-video series on his 40 plus year experience in Nihon Goshin Aikido
is up on youtube.com Filmed at the request of his students, the video series is
filled with some incredible insights.

Some topics include:

the events leading to the registration of his first class,

detailed descriptions of the original Guttenburg dojo,

the fatuation with senior belts being closest to air conditioning vents,

the value of perseverance, dedication, and hard work,

the simple decision to trust your Sensei,

comparing our styles to the styles of other aikido organizations,

etc.

I’ve direct linked these videos into this newsletter (see videos to the left) in
hopes that everyone will watch them. I’ve probably watched them three times each.

Personal Development on the Chain Link Ki Technique

As you may know last month, I spent the better part of 5 paragraphs explaining how
my Chain Link or my Finger Ring Ki technique was changing for the better. At the
time I wrote it, I perceived that discussion as one of my better articles. It even
included pictures, and points of emphasis. At the end of the article, I wondered
if I would agree with my assumptions in 5-years. Well, as it turns out, it took
less than two weeks to disagree with everything I previously said about the Chain
Link or Finger Ring Ki technique. So, if you have not read my article on the Chain
Link, Good!

Over the last 2 weeks I’ve probably tested my Chain Link and Finger Ring Ki techniques
on over 20 non martially arts trained people. After all of these tests ~ I can say
one thing confidently, I suck at the Chain Link Ki Technique.

I wish I could say, “Do it this way.” ~ And it’ll work for you but I don’t claim
to have any answers at this point. In testing, I could not keep my own fingers from
being pulled apart ~ nor could I teach any of the test subjects to do it either.

I spoke with my Sensei, and he gave me some ideas to clarify what I’m doing. I’ll
see how it progresses during testing in the upcoming weeks, and get back to you next
month.

On a positive note, I can conclude that I have an awesome Unbendable Arm Ki Technique
~ and I can teach that ki technique to anyone using this phrase, “As he pulls down
on your arm, point your finger at the wall. Take a deep breath, exhale as he pulls
down and then reach out and and try to touch that wall.”

All right ~ well since I don’t officially recognize October as an official month
in the Julian calendar, I’ll cut out here. I look forward to our next encounter in
a real month ~~ a month that matters. See you in November?